Jess + Brian found me through Elope Mendocino . On the first phone call with Jess I knew that we were meant to be. She was STOKED about her dress because it had pockets. She was thrilled to be planning an intimate wedding on the Mendocino Coast with help from Vanna. My favorite part of our first conversation was that photography was their main priority for their day. Jess wanted to make sure that we would have time for photos of her and Brian that reflected their love story completely. I knew instantly that we were a perfect match!

Brian found out that one of Jess’ dream proposal was that a penguin would bring her an engagement ring. Of course, Brian called Monterey Bay Aquarium who immediately told him this wasn’t possible because it wouldn’t be safe for the penguins. So of course, he planned the next best thing, a proposal at the Penguin Exhibit. He took Jess to see the feeding show. When it was over and Jess was about to move on to the next exhibit, she turned around and Brian was on one knee holding her engagement ring.

After this amazing proposal, they contacted Vanna of Elope Mendocino and began to plan their dream wedding in Mendocino with a ceremony on the bluff above Big River Beach with a reception to follow at Maccallum House. Jess was so excited to be marrying Brian and so thankful for each vendor that helped make her day possible. She infused little details into her day, like having each of her girlfriends who couldn’t be at the wedding give her a brooch to put in her bouquet so that she could feel like they were there with her on her big day. Rosa of LR Farm helped with florals and Jess’ vision came to life. Jess’ mom also gave her a handkerchief that had been passed down through generations of brides in her family. I absolutely love it when families share traditions such as these on wedding days. It makes it so special.

When I asked Jess about her favorite part of her wedding day this is what she said:

My favorite part of my wedding day was how much love and happiness was all around us, we had so much fun, everything went pretty perfectly and it was lovely to be able to share this special moment with all our favorite people. Getting to take photos with Chelsi and Brian alone after the ceremony was pretty special too, all of my first and most happy moments were caught in the beautiful pictures she took. And now every time I look at them I'm reliving that feeling and those moments and it makes me so happy.

When I read this, my heart exploded. It is such a privilege to be welcomed into a wedding day and when I can make my couples feel this special, it makes me so happy. This is how I want every single one of my couples to feel after their wedding day is over. If you are here considering me for your wedding day, please make sure to take a look at my entire portfolio and about me section. If there is something that you are drawn to, get in my inbox and let’s make some magic together in 2020!

There are is nothing I could say that would accurately depict the love and joy that surrounded Jess + Brian on their wedding day. So, grab your favorite snack and spend some time looking at their photographs, I promise it will give you all the warm and fuzzies! Ok, let’s go!